Classification in German equestrian sport
In German equestrian sport, a distinction is made between the terms performance class , age class and test class (mostly only class). In addition, riders are classified based on their ranking list points .
The following information relates in principle to dressage and show jumping . In eventing and the driving slightly different rules apply.
(Exam) classes
The audit classes describe the difficulty of riding to test . In Germany there are class E (beginners), class A (beginners), class L (easy), class M (medium) and class S (difficult) with increasing difficulty. Class S exams are further subdivided depending on the discipline. In dressage and show jumping, for example, a distinction is made between one, two and three-star S tests (even up to S ***** for jumping). In both disciplines, classes A and M are divided into one or two-star tests depending on the level of difficulty (in dressage also L * and L **).
In addition, there are a number of competitions with requirements below class E, such as equestrian competitions or mass sports competitions (e.g. skill course).
A rider may only start in two adjacent test classes at the same tournament.
According to the new regulations, the different categories no longer existed in 2008. Previously, a distinction was made between category A, B and C tests. The exams are now held either under the WBO (Competition Regulations) or LPO (Performance Examination Regulations) . For WBO competitions, the participants do not have to belong to any performance class, but this is mandatory for LPO exams.
Age groups
While the division into test classes relates to the test to be ridden, the age and performance class provide information about the rider. Since the LPO change in 2000 there are five age groups in equestrian sport. The youngest riders are called juniors . The juniors include all riders who have turned 18 or less in the current calendar year. The 19 to 21 year old riders are called young riders . Riders over the age of 21 are riders . Until the LPO change, this age group was called 2000 seniors . The classification as senior takes place at the age of 40. Only seniors are allowed in a few exams.
When championships are held, the juniors are divided into children (maximum 16 years) and juniors (17 and 18 years). Children on ponies are also called pony riders . There are special tests where only ponies are allowed. In competition sports, a horse is considered a pony if its height does not exceed 149 centimeters.
Performance classes
In addition to the division into age groups, all riders are also divided into performance classes. The division is based on the possession of a performance badge and the tournament successes in the previous two years.
The division into performance classes is carried out separately for each discipline.
The entry into the tournament sport advertised according to the LPO is the performance class 0. While until 2012 all riders who did not belong to any other performance class belonged to the performance class 0, since 2013 a so-called trial license has to be acquired for this. This entitles you to participate in e-dressage and e-jumping.
Riders who are in possession of the riding badge 5 or a DRA IV (small rider badge) acquired by 2013 can apply for classification in performance class 6 . This entitles you to take part in exams in classes E and A.
To apply for classification in performance class 5 , one of four options must be met. The rider must:
- be in possession of a DRA III (bronze rider badge) acquired until 1999,
- be in possession of the DRA III (acquired between 2000 and 2013) or riding badge 4 and have passed the license test (at least 6.0),
- be in possession of a discipline-specific DRA III or riding badge 4 (only applies to the respective discipline) or
- be in possession of the riding badge 3.
Performance class 5 entitles the holder to take part in classes A and L.
Classification in performance class 4 , which entitles you to take part in exams in classes A, L and M, can be applied for by anyone:
- is in possession of the Reitabzeichen 2 or a DRA II (Silver Rider Badge) acquired by 2013,
- Can prove success in L-class exams,
- has completed vocational training as a horse trader specializing in classical riding training (formerly horse trader specializing in riding) or
- Is an amateur riding instructor (Trainer A).
Riders who can prove success in exams of class M or who have completed a professional training as a horse management master in the sub-area of riding training (formerly horse management master riding) can apply for classification in performance class 3 . This entitles you to take part in exams in classes A, L, M and S.
The performance Classes 1 and 2 will be issued on the basis of corresponding success in tests of classes M and S.
Classification of horses
In addition to the division of the tests and the riders, the horses are also classified. If a horse is placed in a test that takes place under LPO, this is saved as a success for the horse. This change has existed since January 1, 2008, so successful class E exams are now also recorded. As with riders, successes with horses apply to the following two calendar years.
While rider and horse are considered separately in dressage and jumping competitions, the prerequisite for participation in versatility tests is that the starting rider has achieved the same successes with the starting horse. This is to ensure that the starting couple is really up to the requirements and accidents on the fixed obstacles are minimized.
Summary
In the tendering of a horse exhibition is given for each test, which ages and levels are allowed and what successes are required for eligibility. If proof of success is required for the right to start an examination, all successes of the horse / rider count up to the entry deadline for the horse performance show.
The following information applies to a tab:
- Age group
- Performance class in every discipline
- highest ranking achieved in each discipline
- Ranking points in each discipline
The following information applies to a horse:
- Age
- highest ranking achieved in each discipline
The age of a horse is only relevant if it is to be presented in advanced tests (for young horses).
As a rule, the advertisement restricts the group of participants according to age group, performance class, gender and successes achieved.